Timbers U-23s earn 5-1 win over North Sound

EVERETT, Wash. – In the final game of Portland's 2011 Premier Development League season, forward Erik Hurtado recorded a hat-trick in the first half to help lead the Timbers U-23s to a 5-1 win over the North Sound SeaWolves on Friday night at Goddard Memorial Stadium.

The Timbers U-23s jumped out to an early lead, scoring four goals in the opening frame. Hurtado scored two unassisted goals and converted a penalty kick to complete the hat trick before the end of the first half.

Portland midfielder Brent Richards opened the scoring for the Timbers U-23s when he scored off a pass from defender Ryan Kawulok in the 23rd minute. The goal was Richards’ team leading eighth of the season. Kawulok's helper was his first assist of the season. The defender finished the season with a total of five points, while playing in every minute of every game for Portland's back line.

The early goal by Richards bumped his team-leading point total up to 22 points to end the season. Richards also finishes on the top of the Timbers' leaderboard with six assists this season. He ended the season by recording a point in Portland's final seven contests dating back to June 18.

The strong offensive performance continued for the Timbers U-23s 10 minutes into the second half when midfielder Nick Palodichuk scored his second goal of the season off a pass from forward Miles Byass.

North Sound was able cut the Portland lead to four when defender Craig Tomlinson beat Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Jason Dodson for his second goal of the season. Dodson picked up his third win of the season in goal for the Timbers.